Tinubu, others to bag historic honorary sports awards

Tinubu, others to bag historic honorary sports awards

The 2025 World Golden Veteran Sports Distinguished Honorary Awards will recognise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Honorable Wale Edun, Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi, and Honorable Gboyega Oyetola in a historic moment for African sports.

This historic accomplishment recognises the honorees' outstanding contributions to youth participation and sports development in Nigeria and around the world, and it is the first time Africans will receive this esteemed international distinction.

The nomination was submitted by Mojeed Okedara, a former Super Middleweight World boxing champion and the CEO of Mojfrican Global Events Management LLC in Orlando, USA.

He highlighted the honorees' remarkable histories of promoting sports on a national and international level and supporting young development.

In his submission, Okedara praised President Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support for youth and sports development in Nigeria. He also commended Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister for the Economy, for promoting policies that have positively impacted sports infrastructure; Gboyega Oyetola, Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, for his initiatives fostering youth engagement; and Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi for his contributions to grassroots sports and talent development.

"This recognition is not only a testament to their performance in office but also acknowledges their track records of supporting youth through sports, even before assuming office," Okedara added.

"Notably, Honorable Coordinating Minister for the Economy Wale Edun has consistently supported boxing and talent development in Lagos, while Gboyega Oyetola has done the same in Osun State."

Okedara emphasised that these personalities are fulfilling his dream for youth and sports development in Nigeria, which was a major part of his campaign promises during his gubernatorial aspiration in the 2023 Nigeria General elections.

"This award recogniaes their global impact on sports and encourages them to continue empowering youth through sports," Okedara remarked.

"I am confident that these distinguished individuals will continue to raise the bar for sports development in Nigeria."

The winners, according to Okedara, are "excellent examples and ambassadors of sports and youth development in Nigeria, with a significant impact on the global sports stage."

In order to ensure that the accolade is celebrated domestically, he promised to personally deliver the American awards to the Nigerian honorees.

This milestone underscores Nigeria's growing influence in global sports, highlighting the critical role of visionary leadership in fostering development through sports. The awards serve as a testament to the awardees' dedication to promoting sports and youth development, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.